Just Because You Can...Doesn't Follow that You Should

Just Because You Can...Doesn't Follow that You Should 

by David Brenneman 

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall become one flesh.” But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

There's the prevailing thought that no harm no foul in following the ways of the world won't harm a walk with Jesus. This train of thought also goes with something being a mistake rather than a sin. That people slip up more than call things as the Bible calls things which is sin.  

For many many decades the entertainment industry and the sports world have been slowly digging into the Spiritual world to derail and discourage Believers...keeping them ineffective for the work of Christ. 

It's a very real problem. What the Bible calls something IS what something is. 

If the Bible says "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 then it certainly means exactly that.

If it's going to tarnish the way the world sees our witness...don't do it!   

If it's called a sin it's not a mistake it's a sin.

It's written rather clearly that "he who knows the right thing to do and does not do it sins". Doesn't say is guilty of making a mistake.  

Scripture further says to be Holy as He is Holy.

If you're joining with the world, for any reason, to discourage, dishearten, tear down, or any other way that's contrary to sound judgment and doctrine, you're sinning. Call a spade a spade.  

Sanctify means to set apart for a special purpose. 

We're not to join with the world in their deeds of darkness. No it's not going to make Believers popular. Jesus refers to this abrasive reaction from the world as hate. If the world hates you on account of Jesus remember it hated Him first. 

The world is at war. It's absolutely not all crafted sunshine and rainbows. It's not anything but a ages spanning war between God and Satan. Jesus gave His life to seek and save the lost in the world. He purchased the chosen from this world with His own blood. He endured the agony of the cross and 3 days in Sheol to satisfy the requirement by blood for the curse of sin. Not anything else. 

When you get going in your day...do you at all think of how you're going to represent Jesus to the part of the world you are in? If you indeed are a Believer then you most certainly should be. You should be considering your thoughts and intentions. Your actions should be such that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.  

What does it say to a fallen world where Believers look, speak and act no differently than them? Believers who excuse their behavior in the name of this or that that the world is doing. 

It's written in the Bible that we should always be aware of how our actions might cause people to be strengthened in their lives apart from Jesus Christ.

Read this carefully...because "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

"Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; for the earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 10:24-33.

Is what you are doing going to help or hinder the work of the Spirit of God in our world?  

We have a responsibility first to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ...not to ourselves or to anyone else. 

Consider your ways is repeated way too many times to not take to heart. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.   

"You Shouldn't Judge!" Uh Not True

"You Shouldn't Judge!" Uh Not True 

by David Brenneman 

"But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:11-13.

“If your brother sins , go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:15-20.

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16-20.

Oh would it be that I had a dollar for every single time that I was told "you shouldn't judge!". Sometimes that was followed up with a reason so-and-so wasn't being talked to about something they shouldn't be involved with. Inevitably as the Scriptures say their sins find themselves out in those cases. 

Had someone spoken up then perhaps the current state of those people wouldn't have been as it turned out to be. 

Indeed within the Church we are supposed to comes along side brothers and sisters in Christ to help them get back to Jesus. 

We're not supposed to shun those in the world as Paul also wrote in 1 Corinthians 5.  

It's a often difficult road to walk both within the Church dealing with people who need Godly correction and those outside the Church who are flaunting their utter sinfulness.

Within the Church we have a responsibility towards those who truly are of the body of Christ.  

The Scriptures do say to all who are Believer's that to know the right thing to do and do not do it sins. 

What's compounding things are those to whom nobody helped seeing others doing the same and then use the excuse that they can't say anything because they did that too.  

So let's follow that logic. You go too fast down a gravel road on a bike and spill. You were seriously hurt from it. So now you're going to say nothing to the next person who comes along that you see is about to do the same thing?  

People who are seriously recovered addicts are hopefully going to put up flags to warn others of those dangers. 

We are supposed to help others in Christ to grow in Christ. Not just by way of Sunday School, Life Groups or Adult Bible Studies, but in our everyday.  

Jesus came along hundreds if not thousands to turn them back to the right path for them. John essentially eluded to that when he finished writing his Gospel. 

Those in the world who are living the utterly sinful life and are giving the impression that they neither regret nor have any reservations about...you shouldn't be turning a blind eye to. You should show them the love of Christ but do not support them in their sinfulness. Jesus, on more than one occasion, said "Go and sin no more".

He never congratulated them on discovering who they say they are as opposed to who God said they are.

He never told people that it's ok, everyone does it.  

We are to pray without ceasing. Praying for those lost in their present darkness. Being the light of Jesus Christ...when people want exposure for their sinful deeds and when they don't.

Don't take it from me...hear now my Dear Reader what Jesus said.

"Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:23.

People are going to be grateful or hateful when sins are exposed for what they are.  

The truth of Jesus Christ sets people free it never binds them up.

Religion can bind people up in rules and regulations that have nothing to do with the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to seek and save the lost...to set people free from the law of sin and death.  

Making excuses to stay in sin both because of Christians and the unbelieving is ridiculous.

That's like having a celebration day for the iceberg that the Titanic ran into. Establishing a law protecting icebergs from discrimination or abuse.  

I would pray that if I am going down a path that God doesn't approve that Godly people would step in the way to turn me back around.  

If they don't...I can promise you that should these people be Believers...when we get to Heaven I'm pretty sure they will have some explaining to do. 

We who are in Christ are to indeed be fruit inspectors. We will know them by their fruits. When that fruit has troubles...we're to get involved. Either directly or through prayer. Doing nothing is not an option. The Spirit makes us aware at the precise moment when He's wanting our help to make things happen. To make things better. To make things right.

Don't give up when you only realize after the fact. Start fervently praying. Read the Gospels...Christ-followers aren't to give up when it comes to obedience to God's Word. 

Pray on Pray over Pray through...silence is not golden nor acceptable. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Out of the Heart

Out of the Heart 

by David Brenneman 

"But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." Matthew 15:18-19

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:21-23.

"Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalms 44:21.

"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things." Proverbs 15:28.

In recent days my thoughts were surrounded by the phrase "that I am the Lord" when I was reading my Bible. All those passages were of all the ways that Jesus was trying to show Israel that He is the Lord and not to rely on their idols.  

This morning the phrase out of the heart came to me to think about. Do you think about where your thoughts come from? Do you justify the truthfully negative words that come from it? Justifying your words and actions as you go? Perhaps "all in the name of fun?"

In the last week something serious happened here at my home. Past experience of where we lived lead me to contact the police. So I did.

Social media being what it is...there was every reaction from complete agreement of how we handled it to mockery. Out of their hearts...

This is but one example. These decades you have to really be isolated from society to not know about rivalries. Rivalries between two cities, people's, companies.  

Out of the hearts of men and women you can hear the most vial of words that shouldn't be said let alone thought. What's worse is many hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions of people, point to this activity as fun. 

I was taught a lesson way early in my life about the dangers of tearing down people with words. It didn't take much for me to see how potent carefully crafted words could reduce people to tears.  

Our sin nature comes from the heart. That sin nature remains with us until we all step into eternity. For those who are saved in Christ Jesus their sin nature will be absolutely destroyed. Never to trouble them no more. For those who did not come to Christ for salvation...they'll be reminded of their sins for all eternity by paying for them. 

People of this world are increasingly lacking in self restraint. They are easily offended and take to whatever means available to attack others in order to feel better about themselves.  

Going back to the rivalries thing...I personally do not get involved with these because I have seen what CAN come out of my heart towards others who disagree with me.   

Rivalries tear down people and as said earlier people do it supposedly all in fun. There's no way that anyone is strong enough on their own to not be affected by cut downs. Words used destructively on purpose. It chips away at a person. For those already at a low point in life it shatters them even further.

Regardless of what intentions you have...guard your hearts!

Shut up if you're considering trashing someone. Really.  

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29.

"Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor." 1 Corinthians 10:24.

"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17.

I have dished out my fair share of trash talk because of a sports rivalry. Conviction hit me hard that I wasn't at all being Christ-like. I was even, truthfully, tearing down other Christians all in the name of supposed fun.

What if there was an unbelieving person watching? Think about that. What are you showing the world about your heart?  

Scripture says that we should be doing everything in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

What we do comes out of our hearts. 

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27.

Think before you speak has been a very longstanding bit of advice that's been around for generations.

My prayer for all is that you guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The path to worldly fun is often going to destroy something about someone. Being callous isn't going to be a good excuse. 

Guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...out of the heart...

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Om Christ the Solid Rock

On Christ the Solid Rock 

by David Brenneman 

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are." 1 Corinthians 3:10-17.

"My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on his unchanging grace;

in every high and stormy gale,

my anchor holds within the veil. 

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, his covenant, his blood,

support me in the whelming flood;

when all around my soul gives way,

he then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound,

O may I then in him be found:

dressed in his righteousness alone,

faultless to stand before the throne. 

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand."

1834 Edward Mote "Solid Rock"

In this particular last two months we've seen quite a bit in our household.  

In reading the beginning passage that hymn came to mind that I grew up hearing in church.   

By way of content I am reminded as well of the words of Jesus when He taught the people and us the value of building upon the rock vs building on the sand. 

My Dear Reader in everything that's been a part of my life...the hands of my Savior and Lord Jesus are visible. The post that we had recently on the difference between those who are saved and are truly alive vs those who aren't...this is an evidence of being alive in Christ. 

Steven Curtis Chapman's song "The Fingerprints of God" was about his daughter but oh how it's about every single person who has ever lived. From conception to the grave and everything in between. Jesus has been there has never missed a heartbeat. 

Think about that...when life is rough. Think about that when life isn't so kind. In the lives of every single Believer His promise of never leaving us or forsaking us has been true. For those who haven't yet come to Christ for salvation...He's there...waiting just for you. 

Jesus said that He isn't willing that any should perish but that all would come to Christ for salvation. He doesn't want anyone to be eternally separated from Him. The Biblical truth is...that decision isn't His. It's a decision for everyone to make. 

For those who are saved...we do indeed have a higher calling in life and it's not tied to worldly successes or desires. Just as a Diplomat for a country has special and special responsibilities when in other countries so it is for all who are in Christ.  

For all who are in Christ will give an account of their lives before Jesus...just how well we did in striving to live the Godly way in Christ as the Spirit directed us.

When you consider this day that you've been given...and trust me...it's purely a gift...how well will you do in it apart from Jesus Christ walking with you?  

Not very well. We cannot see the true dangers of this world apart from the teachings of God. We cannot know how to really pray without beginning that right relationship with Jesus. If all you do in your mind and heart is think of Jesus as "the man upstairs" and nothing else...you are in trouble. Demons have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the true nature and power of God than you do. 

If you're not at all in a relationship with Jesus...you're both in trouble and missing out. You cannot see because your eyes cannot view the spiritual realm without the Spirit of God in you that only comes from receiving the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  

On Christ the solid rock...the recent devastation in the Carolinas has been both frightening and awesome. To both see what truly building on the rock vs building on soft ground can do is a very modern version of what Jesus said. 

Coming to Christ for salvation isn't what the world says that it is. The world doesn't want to lose anyone to Jesus. Worldly religions are crafted to keep people from the truth of God in Christ. To waste their time, energy and effort on something until they die.  

Consider this...Satan doesn't care if you die...he only cares when you come to Christ and live for Jesus. Then and really only then does he have a problem with you. But as the Scriptures say...our God is greater. That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in each who have come to Christ for salvation. Without that foundation there is nothing else. 

Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life...no one comes to the Father but through Him. For over 2,000 years He's proven this to be true. All who have died without Jesus are in Hell. All who have died with Jesus are with Him in Heaven. 

Please be sure of the foundation on which you stand. Be sure it is only by the blood of Jesus Christ that you are living a life that points people to Jesus. That's why Believers are still here. To point people to Jesus to show them that He loves them too. 

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:8-13.

Jesus is that solid rock that we've been longing to hold onto while the storms of life rage around us.  

Jesus is the only way to Heaven. 

Jesus said we will give an account of our lives before Him.  

Jesus said there will be many who will claim to have done many things in His Name that He will say to depart from Him for He never knew them. If you can't point to a time when Jesus became the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life...you are one of these people that He speaks about. 

If indeed you have come to Christ for salvation and He is the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life...live it! The Spirit taught that we should live life in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

Only on Christ the Solid Rock. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Walking Dead Cannot Understand

Walking Dead Cannot Understand 

by David Brenneman 

"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him."

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

There's a sort of famous movie quote that says "You're dead to me".

There's expressions we use such as being so tired that a person is "dead to the world".  

Overall there's the overarching thought that there's nothing going on upstairs. The pilot light is out. There's no rational thought happening. 

Well, apart from having the gift of God in Christ Jesus that is salvation, there is nothing a person can do to understand the things of God because they only are found in a new life in Christ. When a person comes to Christ for salvation, they're given a new everything. The new body comes at a later time. With this newness of life we, for the first time, begin to understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned, spiritually understood. 

In the book of John, John points out more of this truth. 

"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." John 1:5.

The darkness is sin. Sin has no place in the eternity that God created. When sin tried existing with the Angels of God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, all of it was cast out of Heaven so fast it was like lightening. That's what the Bible says. Sin came to the Earth and through deception infected Adam and Eve and then all of humanity. Because of sin the Earth and our known physical universe was cursed. The Bible says that the whole Earth groans. Jesus said that with regards to praise for Himself that the very rocks were capable of crying out.  

The Bible tells us that all creation points to our Creator God.  

Yet with all this evidence...there's millions of people in denial of it all. 

They celebrate their utter sinfulness. They draft laws to protect their sinfulness. They sugar coat their sins to bring about acceptance. 

This is the present darkness. This is what Jesus spoke of with regards to when He returns that it will be like the days of Noah. 

From the outside looking in that's about as clear an understanding that can be given of the spiritual state of the world.  

Many have heard the phrase that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.  

The Bible says that every single person will be without excuse when they stand before Jesus to give an account of their lives. He knows who are saved and who is not. When He returns the saved of this world are leaving. Those who have already been saved yet had died will go first. Then those who are yet alive will join them. A serious brand new kind of chaos will envelope the world.  

To understand the things of God a person must come to Christ for salvation. This salvation is free. Jesus said that we must come as a child. Just believe.  

The world has countless theories to try to explain away the things of God but none are based in factual knowledge. Satan's schemes involve and include getting people to speculate and guess rather than to truly consider coming to Christ for salvation to learn the real truth. 

My Dear Reader to understand requires you taking a leap of faith and asking Jesus to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life.  

You cannot understand the wondrous life that awaits you because all understanding of it will always escape you. 

I have often quoted portions of Romans 10. This time read a bit further.  

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation, By a nation without understanding will I anger you.” And Isaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who did not seek Me, I became manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” But as for Israel He says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” Romans 10:8-21.

In simple terms everyone who's not taken that step to invite Jesus to be the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives is a walking dead person. Their final destination upon dying will be Hell. Right now there's trillions of people there that truly wish they were somewhere else. Hell is a temporary place until the Final Judgment of God concerning sin. Then it gets worse. Hell is tossed into the Lake of Fire as we read in Revelation. Trillions and trillions of people with a now perfect body tormented for all eternity because they rejected the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  

To tell you the truth...I have as cursory an understanding of that as you now do. I can't fathom the painful torment that those people are going through. After coming to Christ I often cannot fathom why people are so dead-set against coming to Christ for salvation. 

You, my Dear Reader, have your eternal destiny in your hands. The cross of Jesus Christ brought choice to you. You decide to say yes or no to that free gift of salvation. You have all that responsibility only for you. I settled that decision decades ago. I have Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. The life that I now live in Christ...much of it can't be explained. I certainly can tell you with all confidence that you're missing out.  

Jesus didn't have to go through all that hanging on the cross did to Him both physically and spiritually but He did...and He did because you and I and trillions of people were worth it to Him...His love is that great. 

Jesus said that He's at the door of your heart knocking. Asking to come in. If you really want to know what living is...open it and invite Him in. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Foolishness on Display

Foolishness on Display 

by David Brenneman 

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

To many people the message of salvation is foolishness. We who are saved see it in the eyes of those to whom it's presented to and hear it from their mouths. 

No doubt what Paul wrote here through the Spirit is alive and well in today's world.  

Even among Believer's there's quarrels that amounts to a lack of Godly wisdom.  

The god of this world, Satan, has been trying to eradicate all signs and wonders of the Most High God of the Universe. His fight is against all the spiritual forces of the Heavenly places and throughout all the places that the foot of mankind has trodden. 

With very little exception he manipulates the news services of this world. He manipulates governments where he's been permitted to by God the Spirit.  

"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way." 2 Thessalonians 2:7.

Satan's not got free reign on planet Earth. The battle of the ages is yet to come and it's not even a remotely close match when all Jesus does to the vast armies that Satan will collect is to speak a word and it's over. 

The wisdom of God in Christ Jesus for the message of salvation is simple enough that a child can understand it. I can testify to that considering that I was but a child when I came to Christ Jesus for salvation.  

You cannot abide in this world without running into the foolishness of the world on a daily basis. Satan's schemes are to water down the message of salvation. His schemes involve driving such disturbances to split churches and families.  

His schemes involve you my Dear Friend in order to keep doubts in your life to prevent you from realizing your potential in a real relationship with Jesus.

His schemes aren't fictitious. His schemes are real. The truth of the Bible says that to each is given a measure of faith. Deep inside every single person is the evidence to know that God is and does want a right relationship with each and every single person. 

When we listen to this world more than we do the Word of God or the Spirit of God we get entangled into the sins of the world.  

We put things and people higher than God and don't define it as such to that it keeps us from realizing the errors of our ways.  

We live in a dark society that loves sin, hates the truth of God and absolutely does NOT have our best interests at heart. 

Those who have come to Christ for salvation are now experiencing the light of Jesus Christ in them. While they can understand and know through the wisdom of God in the teaching of the Spirit of God all the fallacies of this world...those who aren't saved can only see darkness. The very same Scriptures say that those who aren't saved yet cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned...they are foolishness to them. 

I know a grown man who idolized Dracula growing up. Dracula was his hero. This man is really separated from God. He carries worry and undue stress around all the time. He's mentally struggling and keeps pushing away the salvation of God in Christ. There's absolutely no wisdom in believing that a fictional character such as Dracula could be of a help to anyone.  

Yet believing in anything but the one true living God and Savior Jesus Christ is what a great many people are doing!

You're legally allowed to dress up as someone that God never designed for a person to be. A manifestation that He will never recognize that person as when they face Him at the Final Judgment.

Just because a person denies God or His Son Jesus Christ or the Spirit of God...does not alter the facts.  

Scripture says that the evidences of God are throughout all creation. 

Jesus testified to the realities of Hell and the consequences of rejection of His free gift of salvation in the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus.  

Jesus said before any Apostles wrote of it just what this world would be like before He returns.   

Jesus was seen by more than 500 people after His resurrection. Historically, there's evidence, that many other cultures saw him...such as the American Indians.  

Jesus said for all who are weak and heavy laden to come to Him for rest...come to Christ to find that rest.  

This man of whom I described is in my world today. Literally I can see the weight of the world on his shoulders because he's living in his own strength. He's carrying a burden that's too much for anyone. We were never meant to carry such a load. 

Belief. It does come down to what a person believes that determines their future in eternity. Recognize and receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone or rejection and spend eternity in torment paying for your own sins.

So sadly I know that unless this man of which we have been talking about comes to Christ for salvation, Hell is his destination. 

Choice came because of the cross of Jesus Christ. My Dear Reader choice is within the hands of each and every single person.  

To die without salvation in Christ will net an eternity in painful torment beyond anything experienced in this life.  

Quite the opposite is that salvation in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins...will net a person joys and a peace that this world has never seen.  

This world comes with many thousands of stumbling blocks to keep people from coming to Christ or to keep those who have from a fully realized life in Christ. Satan does not want those who have come to Christ to realize their full potential in Christ.  

Oh how the wisdom of God is so different from the world. 

My Dear Reader please do not put off your decision to come to Christ. 

It is nothing that the world says that it is. You cannot understand what love, peace, patience, kindness and compassion really are until you have come to Christ for salvation. 

The choice is yours. What you choose determines Heaven or Hell as where you go next when you die. 

The foolishness of the world is on display every day.  

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

We are given Eyes and Ears...Do we use them?

We are given Eyes and Ears...Do we use them?

by David Brenneman 

"saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.” ’ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” Acts 28:26-28.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” Revelation 3:20-22.

When you look at your desires, your wants, for that matter your life as you may think you're enjoying it...does it show a life that's listening to and looking for Jesus?

Have you misplaced passions and desires that have nothing to do with why you're still here after coming to Christ for salvation, if in fact you are saved?

Jesus came to seek and save the lost in the world. Paul, by way of the Spirit of God, taught us all to take care not to get entangled in the things of this world.  

He taught also of sins that so easily entangles us. Sin really doesn't have to work very hard to trip us up, to make us fall.  

I'm reminded of a M*A*S*H episode where Colonel Potter learned of the unfaithfulness of his son-in-law. At first he was going to rip him for it until he remembered his own unfaithfulness decades earlier. To quote the son-in-law he knew what he was doing when he did it. He gave in to the moment and it happened.   

We're as easily susceptible to sin rearing it's ugly head. We do then it begins to dull our ears and weaken our eyes from hearing and seeing the Lord Jesus.  

King David and Uriah's wife Bathsheba. Most of the known world today knows of something to do with this story.  

What lead up to it for King David was pride and laziness. For us it can be just as little or as much. 

Satan's schemes include either loudly or softly badgering us with our failures in sin to keep us from getting back on our feet again and coming to Christ for forgiveness and restoration. So that once again we can have those eyes that see and ears that hear.

If you're struggling with hearing God or seeing Him in your life...stop. Stop and get real with yourself and God.  

You can keep groping around in the darkness of this world or you can get right with Jesus again and keep Him as the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. 

We all are very capable of doing something that we regret. We're all very capable of even wrong ideas about God and the Bible, let alone things of this world.  

Honestly, while intellectually I get the simple thing of a sports rivalry, I cannot in good conscience participate because the Bible says that we shouldn't be tearing down people. That Scripture...he who knows the right thing to do and does not do it sins. The passage of whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, let your mind and heart dwell on these things. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. That there is a plan and purpose for all who Believe which is part of the reason that we're still here.  

Do you have eyes that see and ears that hear, or have you been getting dull of sight and hearing because you're so involved in the things that are of this world?

The Cross of Jesus Christ brought choice...choice to come to Him for salvation and the choice to obey Him fully or not.

Don't look to be popular when you come to Christ. People probably will think you weird or old fashioned or an idiot or loser for your faith. 

You don't need to be at a church to be saved. But you should find a Bible believing Bible preaching church to grow in Christ at. Churches don't save people. Jesus saves people. There are no denominations in Heaven. There are Christ followers in Heaven.  

Do you have ears to really hear and eyes that really see what the Spirit says to the churches, let alone to you?

You choose to either tear down or build up. You choose to think about your testimony before men or you cast it aside because of your worldly actions and activities. You are the one whom Jesus will ask why you should be let into His Heaven. You, should you be a Believer will give an account of EVERY careless word or thought you've had or will have.  

You will show by your life if you were an effectual listener and doer of the Word of God in Christ Jesus.

I was bullied a lot in school...and know as well what being the bully is like. People do a lot of hurt in the name of "fun".  

When we embrace the world's ideas of fun and entertainment we are in danger of ruining a testimony of the work of the Spirit of God in our lives. 

We need to do better at listening to the Spirit of God. Need to do better at looking for God in our lives.  

The testimony of Jesus Christ in your life is more important than anything deemed good by this world. 

Pray that you will have eyes that see and ears that hear what the Spirit is trying to do and teach you to do in your life.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Steps that We Don't See

Steps that We Don't See 

by David Brenneman 

Yesterday was a day. Needing to make good on paying for my part for my truck I was told of things that I knew not of that were related to getting it.

Of these later years in life when God has something bigger in mind happening in my life I tend to look for the footprints that lead up to that particular moment. 

It helps me to remember the hands of my Savior and Lord in my life.  

A while ago something insignificant to many I remember clearly. Only because it certainly was spiritual in nature. Demons do not like at all being around Believers who aren't compromisers.

We only perceive of so much in our lives about our lives. We will likely have questions to ask Jesus for eternity and are going to find out that there certainly was more than meets the eye than we remotely knew about. 

Was reading in Psalms this morning and King David's prayers, this man after God's own heart, prayed some powerful prayers. Very descriptive.  

There are those who have flocked to the books written about the prayer of Jabez. I look more to this King of Israel and Judah of which we know that the Lord testified that he was a man after his own heart. 

Sometimes we put our own value before God down and don't think we're that important in the spiritual scheme of things for God's planning concerning mankind or our own little corner of the world. 

We are beloved by God. We were as important a person needing salvation as even the Apostle Paul or King David himself.  

The steps that the Spirit takes with regards to our lives are going to leave us speechless when we know the eternal significance of what truly happened in our lives. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.  

King Solomon might have written this but he probably understood it from watching his father King David. 

King David, upon learning just a smidgen of what his family's lineage was going to be...that the Savior, the Messiah, would come from there, went before God and really wanted to know how and why.

It can be overwhelming to learn of the impact you have had in the lives of others.  

I watched a retired teacher reading a letter in a hospital. The person who wrote it turned out to be the very doctor who performed the life saving operation on her...was a former troubled student whom she invested in. He snuck in the room and heard her reading that letter out loud. When she learned the identity she was in tears. When she learned that he covered all her medical expenses she was even more in tears. He said that she saved his life long ago and was who inspired him to do more and be more. It was the least he could do for her.

What my friend went through to get my truck part was nothing short of the hand of God. What lead up to it being in my possession many would dismiss as random happenings. The Spirit wanted me to remember them.  

There's more than meets the eye in your life my Dear Reader. To each of us it has been given a measure of faith. We are to cultivate that in our walk with Jesus. Not getting ahead of Him, not wandering off because of things happening in our lives.  

His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than ours. Many truths aren't ours to know because our faith needs to grow. 

Be thankful for what you think you know and be just as thankful for what you don't really know. Be patient and keep pace with your Savior and Lord.  

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Don't Join the World in THIS

Don't Join the World in THIS 

by David Brenneman 

"‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Deuteronomy 5:20.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16.

"You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” Luke 18:20.

"You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” Mark 10:19.

"Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness;" Matthew 19:18.

“You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." Exodus 23:1.

The definition of bearing false witness is rather clear...don't lie about a person or a situation that has happened.  

It sure is difficult being a Christian in today's world when legally people are being forced to indeed bear false witness concerning people who are intentionally living in sin, who shake their fist at God, being told they must accept them as they portray themselves to be because the law says so.

We're to live with Godly Integrity.  

We're not to join in the world's dark deeds. Jesus didn't high-five those selling in the Temple, He overturned the tables and drove them out.  

Those caught in sin, He instructed to go and sin no more. He didn't tell them they were good and could go about their own business. 

Jesus repeatedly has told us all from the Old Testament to the New Testament that He's got an extremely dim view on people lying about the truths of God's Word.  

God didn't make any mistakes when He created individuals. Nobody needs to fix what He designed a person to be physically. 

Just because a law or two has been written to protect such individuals it doesn't make it right in the sight of God. 

The lives of Believers are to be modeled after Jesus Christ, not celebrities, not sports figures, not political figures, not after fictional characters, not even a cat or a dog. 

This world is at enmity with the Creator of all things. Satan's schemes include full perversion of the will of God for mankind. His schemes include getting Believers to just accept things rather than taking a stand on the Word of God. 

We're in the midst of a Spiritual battle that is building towards the Great Tribulation, Armageddon and the Final Judgment of God.  

The truth is millions are being lied to about who and what they are and this world is accommodating them. Christians in the workplace are coming face-to-face with people legally more protected than they are.  

Standing firm in the Lord is what you and I must do. Scripture says to pray for those who persecute you. Think about that. If you're not taking a stand in Christ they won't be likely to be persecuting you. 

We are not to join in their hypocrisy. We aren't to join in their lies about how they define themselves now.

Jesus is not going to address them as they now describe themselves. He's going to address them as He created them to be.

To bear false witness also means more than what we've been talking about so far. We're to be living examples of Christ Jesus to this world in all our dealings with this world. Scripture says that where it be possible be at peace with all men. Certainly implies that there's going to be times when that's not possible. 

Keep that whole armor of God on you at all times. Pray about who and what you're facing today. Stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Church is doing this the Scriptures say that the gates of Hell will not be able to withstand the onslaught of the Church. 

Stand firm in the faith. Obey God and leave the consequences to Him. There's no good reason, legally or otherwise, to bear false witness against anyone or for anyone. It's a sin. Plain and simple it's sin. 

We're to be holy as He is Holy.

Keeping our focus on the Author and the Perfector of our faith. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Standing Firm

Standing Firm

by David Brenneman 

"for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13.

"Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:14-17.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." Philippians 4:1.

"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

"Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!" 1 Peter 5:12.

These are but a few found this morning but when you know that God is repeating something to you then you know it's something for you to pay attention to. 

Taking a stand in a wishy-washy world that's driven to self-indulgent behavior derived from an unrepentant sin nature isn't easy at times. There's times when you can't just cross the street to the other side and avoid the confrontation. There's times when you're pretty much cornered and must speak. 

But regardless taking a stand in Christ will never do you wrong. 

It may have consequences in this life but you will never go wrong in obeying God and leaving the consequences to Him. 

In the book of Hebrews there is the "faith chapter" where we read of the lives of those who stood their ground in Christ Jesus.  

While possibly dishonored among men and women, they are eternally honored before Jesus. 

Can life get difficult by obeying God over mankind? Absolutely.  

I am facing something of this today myself. Our worldly laws are just that-of this world. God's Word transcends any word offered by mankind. EVERY word of God is holy and true and will always be accomplished in His time.

I cannot in good conscience honor someone who is celebrating their life choice to shake a fist at God and God's will for them.  

I will, however, continue to pray that God will do whatever is necessary to bring them down to their knees before Jesus to be saved. To turn away from this intentional life of sinful rebellion. 

Jesus said that those who live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted. Standing firm is going to have consequences in this world. 

But it's what we are called to do. Repeated so many times that we must take actions to support that command from our Savior and Lord. Even if it hurts or has earthly consequences.  

I should, we should, be more concerned about offending our Holy God than offending anyone on the Earth.  

Scripture says that where it be possible be at peace with all men. This easily implies that it's not always going to be possible. 

Pray up, get that whole armor of God on and keep it on. Stand firm in what God's Word has been teaching you. It may not make you popular among men or women but it will keep you right before Jesus. 

Jesus wasn't popular when He overturned the tables in the Temple. 

Jesus wasn't popular when He confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

Jesus wasn't popular when He pointed out the true sinfulness of men.  

Jesus wasn't popular when He obeyed His Father. 

A life in Christ probably won't make anyone popular in a world that loves the darkness rather than the Light of Jesus Christ. 

My Dear Reader stand firm in the Word of God. Stand firm in the whole armor of God. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

We who are in Christ have a responsibility first to the Word of God and to Jesus Christ our Lord. The body of Christ is the Church of God. The body responds to what the head, Jesus, says is for us to do and say. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love...not compromise to make them happy in their sinfulness. 

Stand firm in the Lord. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

No Camouflage Here

No Camouflage Here

by David Brenneman 

"The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them." Isaiah 9:2

While this great light is a prophecy about Jesus, we're called to be lights in this world. Emmanuel means God with us. When people come to Christ for salvation, He comes to live in us.  

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

So many people in this world try to keep their mannerisms of life that they had back before they were saved in Christ.   

We're not to be doing that. Paul taught on that very subject.

"that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." Ephesians 4:22-24.

"Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3:9-11.

We are to shine in this present darkness. We ought to be striving for to win the prize as the Apostle Paul wrote as well. Running with the aim of winning.  

"knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin." Romans 6:6-7.

Do you not want your Father in Heaven to be glorified?  

Do you not want to stand before Jesus rather than to shrink away from Him when you are before Him some day?

These desires that people attach themselves to are often traps. Minefields at best. Satan's schemes aren't hidden! His schemes are certainly not camouflaged in the least!

We are often embracing whatever he tries to do in our lives and then we have the audacity to cry out to Jesus because we say that we don't know where everything went wrong!

Was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman yesterday. "Be Still and Know". Along with "Great Expectations".

How often do you try to sit at the feet of Jesus?

How often do you actually stop n wonder if what's put before you is a temptation or something good from God? We are approaching a season of giving. Thanksgiving is upon us and soon afterwards is Christmas. Satan's schemes are often wrapped up to look like something from God.  

Would you recognize the difference?

In combat training people learn the art of camouflage and its required to successfully complete that part of training in order to advance. 

In Christ we aren't to do this in order to advance in growing in Christ Jesus. 

We are to be lights in this world...not hidden under a basket...away from the world. 

So what if people look down on you for truly living the Christian life as the Spirit directs each of you.  

Is anyone you run across more important than serving your risen Lord and Savior with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit? And meeting His approval concerning the life you lived?

I sort of jokingly posted a picture of football fans in a snowy stadium and said that if Christians today had that kind of drive and commitment, Satan would be running scared at the onslaught of the Church.  

Jesus doesn't have kind words to say towards those who are ashamed of His association with them.  

Live your life in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. Period. 

Let your light shine! Think back to that children's song of this little light of mine.  

Remove those things that are causing your light to be hidden from the world. 

What are you doing hiding anyway?

My aim is to hear "Well done!" from Jesus...what about you?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Who Accomplishes According to His Purpose

Who Accomplishes According to His Purpose 

by David Brenneman 

"Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth." Psalms 57:1-3.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30.

Was part of my morning reading the passage in Psalms was and immediately I thought of the other in the book of Romans. 

These two made me reflect on my current set of predicaments. My prayers go up not just daily but often hundreds of times a day when I don't know what words to say and indeed the Spirit intercedes with groans too deep for words for me. 

I know quite a bit about quite a few things. I like instructionals. Videos on how to do things. Figuring things out is something that I enjoy doing. 

But there's times where I know God's telling me to wait. The answers aren't ready for me to know yet or the answer isn't for me to know.  

Even Daniel was told that he wasn't going to understand everything he was shown. John in his writing of the book of Revelation was dumbfounded by most of what his eyes saw. 

Understanding often takes time. God's timing isn't our timing. As the Scriptures also say that His ways are not our ways His thoughts are not our thoughts.  

Job too wasn't shown the why's behind his story either, that we know of. 

But we're far from alone. Far from stranded. Far from abandoned.  

It's ok to not understand. It's ok to patiently wait upon the Lord's timing. It's only us that thinks it's not ideal. God still causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  

With catching that part of my Bible reading "that I am the Lord"...I look for that now when I read. The sentiment is here in Psalms that we read. King David was living out the truth that he trusted in the truth that the Lord was the Lord. Paul's trust was in the Lord. Peter's trust was in the Lord. The Spirit teaches us that Jesus is the Lord. 

Someone once said that if you only pray when you are in trouble then you're already in trouble. 

Part of our teaching from the Spirit is to know that Jesus is the Lord. That He's got our back. That we can trust in Him. 

We're entering the season of fall and winter here in North America. For some it's a hyper season surrounded sports. For others it's a time to slow down and reflect on the year.

I'm not that much of an outdoor person as it is...and I look forward to the solitude of time in front of the fireplace during this time of year.  

Take time to reflect more on your year with Jesus than whatever has gone right or wrong in the year.  

Look for how and when He's caused things to work together for your good. Look for these and write them down. You'll need these for those future times of stress and heavy concerns when life isn't making a whole lot of sense.

Our faith history shows us that He is the Lord. He's there 24/7 365 for all our worries and concerns. 

Paul struggled with anxiety so we're in good company.  

Look for opportunities to pray and not just to pray when problems arise.

Jesus is a promise keeper.  

"Be still and know that I am God".

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

The World is a Different Place

The World is a Different Place 

by David Brenneman 

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

Matthew 5:11-12, 14-16, 18

When someone comes to Christ they get a new address. A new name in Christ. Adoption into the family of God.  

A famous quote from Billy Graham to do with himself goes that we may hear of him dying. The truth is only his address has changed and he is more alive now than he's ever been. 

We who die in Christ are ushered into the very presence of Jesus.  

We cease to be here and open our eyes there in Heaven.  

When people die who do not know Christ Jesus as Savior...the truth isn't that you go to some kind of pergotory you go right into the torment of Hell. Painfully real Hell.

The light from within the life of a Believer should show a life changed by the work of the Spirit of God within them. 

We're those who have passed from death to life. We are those who are the salt of the Earth. Showing people that there is hope in a world seriously lacking hope.  

We long for that moment of time when Jesus is embracing us. We long for our eternal home. 

If you haven't placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. If He isn't the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life then Heaven is not your home. Heaven will not be your destination when you die. The Bible says that all the good works we can do are as rubbish without the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Worthless. 

There's nothing apart from Jesus that saves.  

We cannot leave this world we know and go to Heaven without Jesus.  

The message for over 2,000 years has been that we need salvation through no other. Coupled with that message is the urgency of the hour. That we know not when Jesus will return. We just absolutely are certain He is going to once the pre-Tribulation prophecies are complete and the last person who will come to Christ before it is to begin comes to Christ for salvation. 

Time isn't eternal. At a point in time not far from now, compared to eternity, time will be no more. Literally 1,007 years after the Rapture of the Church time is over. The Final Judgment of God is completed and eternity is sealed. 

My Dear Reader at the end of the day...you must know where you will be spending eternity. 

You must choose to believe the God of the Bible or the god of this world. Nobody gets anyone out of Hell. Everyone there chose to reject Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. From fallen Angels to people Hell is a vast place of painfully tormented inhabitants. Every single one there knows exactly why they are there and they do not want anyone joining them. 

Jesus showed us all that when He spoke about it. 

The free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is a limited time offer. While yes people will be saved in the Great Tribulation, their lives will be at stake all the time. 

You choose.  

You choose a life in Christ now while you can or you don't.  

The consequences of your choice are entirely on you.  

As for me and my house...we choose Jesus. As for most of my family, that I am aware of, they too choose Jesus. Many of my friends have chosen Jesus.  

What say you?

A life in Christ is different in ways that nobody can really fully understand without first coming to Christ for salvation. That's no cop-out that's what the Bible says. 

The world is a different place for those who are saved. We know we're just visiting. 

Where you go from here is entirely up to you. 

Take Romans 10 seriously. "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Come to Christ and see the world as it really is. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

He IS Coming!

He IS Coming 

by David Brenneman 

My Dear Reader when I wake up many times throughout the night and the same thing I hear gets said to me, I begin to write. 

This blog's description makes reference to the Watchman on the wall as it was in ancient times of the people of God.  

That the blood of the people would be charged to that Watchman with regards to whether or not he warned people of a pending doom. Should he not and yet knew their blood would be on his hands for not telling them. Should he warn them and they ignore him then their blood be on their own hands. Should he warn them and they listen to him they and would have saved themselves. 

In my heart of hearts I know that worldly events are picking up speed again. If it's not been noticed, start noticing my Dear Reader, because these events were foretold in the Bible. To read about the Third Temple in the Bible is one thing, to hear of government officials openly declaring that they will fully support the building of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount says to all: the curtain is about to go up on the book of Revelation, of Ezekiel, of Daniel and all other places in the Scriptures. The King is coming. 

Yes this isn't written like other posts but then again I am the writer, the person dictating what is written isn't me. I have not chosen what's written unless directed to use current events or experiences of my life.  

The King is coming. World events are re-centering around Israel. Tiny little Israel who is smaller than the state of Rhode Island in the United States. Tiny little Israel is being defended by God as He has said He would do. He chose them, they didn't choose him.

My take on current events is this: be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. Be sure that you are saved. What day, hour, minute or second that Jesus will return for His Church we do not know. Many have tried to rush it and claim knowledge of it. Only to be proven to be false prophets and false teachers. Romans 10 is a great place to dwell on confirming that you indeed are saved.  

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation, By a nation without understanding will I anger you.” And Isaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who did not seek Me, I became manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” But as for Israel He says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” Romans 10:8-21.

What will happen, exactly, when Jesus returns? For those saved in Christ Jesus, instantly they will be ushered into the presence of Jesus. Joining Him in the clouds to leave this world and forever be with Him.  

What happens to the world is global chaos. Global instances of catastrophic events. Plane crashes, innumerable vehicle crashes. Innumerable construction accidents. Billions of children missing who weren't old enough to understand good from evil. Billions across the world dying because of the lives of Believers leaving the world.  

A world leader will arise to claim that he is the answer to all that's going wrong and that everyone must trust in him. The masses will indeed follow him. Out of desperation, out of necessity, people will do whatever he says. He will reform the global economic climate to fit his vision for it. Those who are alive and still seek the God of the Bible will become enemies of the state. People will turn in friends, acquaintances, family, in order to obey this world leader. 

Then there's all the judgments of God that will come. The building of the Third Temple is only a part of the things that are coming. Various judgments of God will still kill billions of people.  

Oh you think this is nothing but fairy tales? Consider that dozens of Biblical prophecies have been fulfilled in the last 100 years. It was extremely significant when the world was made to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. To see the hand of God in Israel's battles is a sight to behold. None of those were coincidences, they certainly were Godinstances.

For all of you...again...be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. What you own, owe, have or hope to have doesn't matter. 

Who you know, have met or hope to meet or see doesn't matter. 

Knowing that you are ready to meet the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when He returns is all that should matter. 

Jesus is coming soon. My Savior in whom my hope lies, is coming soon. I've seen His hands in my life and I have to ask that only pertinent question: Do you know Him? 

Jesus came to this world to seek and save the lost. He wasn't lost, we were. He searched until He found me decades ago. My Dear Reader settle that question right now. You may not get a today to finish thinking about it.  

The Church of Jesus Christ is not under condemnation but has passed from death into life. God's word says that there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We do not stand with the world in being condemned to experience the wrath of God that is to come. The Church will see from the side of Heaven the fulfillment of the Word of God. The Church will see those martyrs under the Throne of Jesus awaiting their own justice from Jesus for them.  

The King is coming...do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Is He the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life?  

This blog is God’s doing in my life every single day for many years now. I write and He handles global distribution. He draws people to find it and to read it. If you are reading it then He's found you too.

As my Spiritual Dad says at the end of his Biblical Prophecy newsletters: Get ready for the shout that will call us out!

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Always by My Side

Always by My Side

by David Brenneman 

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8.

"You hear me when I call

You are my morning song

Though darkness fills the night

It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy

Underneath my feet

You are my sword and shield

Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever

He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

My strength is in your name

For you alone can save

You will deliver me

Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever

He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand

You hold the whole world in your hands

I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful

You are faithful

Nothing formed against me shall stand

You hold the whole world in your hands

I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful

You are faithful

You are faithful

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side"

Chris Tomlin - Whom Shall I Fear 

Although there are times when I have stumbled and fell, when sin has reared its ugly head, it matters not because my Savior is still standing by my side. 

It's taken a great many years to comprehend the complexity of life in the battles between my new nature in Christ and my sin nature. Been years and I'm probably only beginning to maybe understand how fierce the battles can be. 

Having been that generation that grew up watching M*A*S*H, it possibly provides some perspective on what the horrors of battle do to the mind and body of a person. 

Some of the, in my mind, more powerful episodes were those with Dr. Sydney Freedman. Those battles that he ran into were in the mind. But also to see the struggles of those in post-op. How difficult it was to just lay there awaiting healing. Sometimes the follow-up surgeries.  

Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. Of the Samaritan finding the guy in his wounded state and picking him up and providing a means to get him both to safety and a place to heal. First off Jews and Samaritans did not interact this way. Add to it he was different from others in his compassion. 

It is one thing to look back on your life and relish or shudder at the highlights that you remember. But how often do you ponder the times when the Savior made you lie down to await healing? 

Going back to the show, many times the nurses were the central character because they were there not only to administer medicine but compassion. An episode that stands out is one where a nurse went along with what a soldier was seeing only in his minds eye.  

Our Savior and Lord knows our battles way better than we do. He knows our hearts better than we do. His Spirit knows every single dastardly secret we fool ourselves into either choosing to forget or that we hope gets overlooked.

He knows every single wound we have and what brought it about.

His work in us isn't going to end until we are finally in His presence, an acceptable glorified person, who was adopted into the family of God. 

He will stay at our side no matter what comes our way. No matter what happens in our lives. No matter if we choose to sin or choose to obey He remains at our side.   

Of course the recommended path is to willingly be at His side in obedience to His Word and purpose for our lives.  

But maybe today you're hurting, you're not feeling well, you're struggling, you're stressed. 

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8.

Whatever He allows in your life...turn to Him with a whole heart and do not let go. He made a promise and He always keeps His promises. 

Always by My Side.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

What People Don't See Matters

What People Don't See Matters 

by David Brenneman 

"The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them." Proverbs 11:3.

Some have said that integrity is what defines a person when nobody is looking. 

This morning I was reading that chapter in Proverbs and read that passage with that definition inserted. "What a person does when nobody is looking will guide them, but those who think they are getting away with things will be destroyed by their actions."

Is your life really by way of your own interpretation, understanding, estimation?  

What is it that God has said that He's looking for? People after God's own heart. His Disciples were had the seeds planted while Jesus yet walked among them to grow into the very foundation of the Church in Christ Jesus. The very seeds that become the people after God's own heart. 

What you think you do in secret is anything but done in secret. 

What you choose to do is not by chance, nor is it fully out of a person's control. At least not for the masses. There are those with physical issues that cause behaviors to be seen that aren't spiritual in nature. But for the rest of us...what we do Spiritually has a direct relationship with our physical world. 

What does the Spirit say through Paul in the book of Colossians?

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:23-24.

Your work is not truly separated by leisure and actual work. It's whatever you put your hands to doing. That verse in its opening part defines that.

What are you indulging in that you know in your heart of hearts God wouldn't approve of?

In the book of 1 Samuel, on several occasions, the soon to be King David was being pursued by King Saul. On all of those occasions temptation was beating on the door of his heart to kill King Saul when the opportunity was ripe. His integrity wouldn't let him. He knew that it wouldn't be right to be placing himself in God's sandals. King David had to wait years for the fulfillment of the Word of God concerning him being King.

We have passed what it used to be described of a past generation as being a microwave society. Instantaneous is what this present culture wants of themselves and others. We don't wait like we used to in order to find out something we jump on a phone and try to look it up. 

Integrity is indeed what you are doing when nobody is looking. Our impatience is fertile ground for a loss of integrity. In a moment its destroyed. For many it takes a lifetime to recover from one instance of stupidity. 

I have no need for anyone to point out my various times of my being stupid. In thinking that since nobody of significance saw that I am safe. By no means do I believe that a supposed secret is safe in a person's life unless they are taken from this world by God and even then what a person does follows after them. 

King David's response to his companion's was that he could not reach out against the Lord's Anointed without serious repercussions. That God would indeed know even if nobody saw.

You, my Dear Reader, are always in a position of having the right thing to do before you. God isn't going to turn away at any moment just because you want Him to. Indeed the Scriptures say that He who knows the right thing to do and does not do it sins.  

What we do when people aren't looking matters.

You have to decide how you are going to be. There's the integrity of your heart at stake. We who are in Christ Jesus will see just what impact that thought had on us when all our deeds done in life are tried by fire.  

Will all that we did in the life we were given go up in smoke or will there be a crown of righteousness to give back to Jesus. 

That should weigh heavily on your decision making you do in secret or in the open. 

"Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalms 121:4.

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a.

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." Psalms 139:7-16.

You see, there is always one who sees all that you and I do. Everywhere we go from our bed to the farthest reaches of the Heavens.  

Pray for your integrity. We all need to pray for that because it is a foundation stone for what we do in our lives for Christ.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.